I know Nimrod has biblical origins, but I don't think that's got anything to do with it.
2007-12-26 11:17:52 · 8 answers · asked by John P 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
One theory is that the use of nimrod as slang comes from the Looney Tunes cartoon series. This is from Slang City http://www.slangcity.com/email_archive/3_4_2004.htm
" In 1938, cartoon character Bugs Bunny was introduced as the tormentor of unsuccessful hunter Elmer Fudd. Originally a small white rabbit, by 1940, he had become the large, gray, drag-wearing bunny we know and love. By that time, he had also begun to use his trademark phrases, such as “What’s up, doc?” and “Of course, you know this means war.”
Bugs typically called Fudd a “poor little Nimrod”, an ironic take on the mighty hunter. Since then, nimrod has been used primarily in the slang sense, demeaning the biblical character. "
2007-12-26 11:35:26 · answer #1 · answered by senlin 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nimrod Slang
2016-10-01 10:38:16 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Bella's post, but have to add what I've found is a part of this- the element of newbie, greenhorn. A nimrod is someone who doesn't know much about the topic at hand. It's a mild way of insulting someone for their lack of knowledge that they should have. Thus if you and I were going to do something, I might have a little fun with you and say, "C'mon nimrod, let's see if you can get it right." It's a pejorative, but it's not vulgar.
This word seems to have more use within the military, where experience seems an important factor in many interactions.
2007-12-26 11:35:12 · answer #3 · answered by going_for_baroque 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds vaguely like something out of Lord of the Rings. Nimrod of Erenborne. Son of Osgiliath that built the Tower of Orsanc. Now overrun by Orcs. Nimrod shall find the sword called Orcbane, that was cleft in two, and make it whole again. And then he shall make those buggers' eyes water. LOL
2016-03-16 01:49:05 · answer #4 · answered by Shannon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nimrod stems from the bible. Noah's son's name was Nimrod. He was an excellent hunter and as such his name became a word in the English language. The word "nimrod" (lowercase) means "great hunter". Bug Bunny used this word sarcastically (because Fudd is a horrible hunter) as an insult to taunt Elmer Fudd in a Looney Tunes episode.
I believe people, not knowing the actual meaning of this uncommon word, mistakenly interpreted it to be "idiot" or something similar. Because Looney Tunes was an incredibly popular show, the incorrect meaning supplanted the much less heard actual meaning.
2015-06-24 01:41:22 · answer #5 · answered by IamAnthony 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Why do people call other people Nimrod?
I know Nimrod has biblical origins, but I don't think that's got anything to do with it.
2015-08-10 04:38:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nimrod was the great grandson of Noah in the bible, who was a hunter. It's slang use of course means a person who is ignorant or stupid. "It came to mean "geek, klutz" by 1983 in teenager slang, for unknown reasons."
2007-12-26 11:26:31 · answer #7 · answered by Bella S 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well Nimrod means hunter: any skillful or enthusiastic hunter
but it is meant as an insult
2007-12-26 11:30:45 · answer #8 · answered by miss_spinster80 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋